An Evaluation of a Farm‐to‐Institution Program: Benefits and Challenges to Supporting Local Farms

Abstract

Obesity is a complex health problem with serious health and economic consequences. In the U.S., over two‐thirds of adults are overweight or obese. Research indicates that a healthy diet plays a critical role in preventing obesity and chronic diseases, however most Americans fail to adhere to dietary guidelines. The insufficient production of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products is likewise a public health concern. Public health, nutrition, and agricultural experts increasingly recognize that increasing the production, distribution, and procurement of food from local farms could enhance access to healthier foods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a farm‐to‐institution program. Six grocery stores and one online door‐to‐door delivery grocer participated in the month‐long program. Evaluation components included customer intercept surveys, semi‐structured interviews with grocery store managers, completion of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS), and collection of store purchasing data as it pertained to local foods. Results of the intercept surveys indicated that customers wanted to support local farmers, but that cost and availability of local food items were major barriers to purchasing local foods. Results from the interviews with store managers revealed three main themes: 1) communication between farmer and store is critical to maintaining relationships; 2) trust of the farmer delivering quality produce in a timely manner is fundamental; and 3) educating customers on the differences between local foods versus non‐local foods is essential in helping customers to understand the benefits of purchasing locally. The NEMS data revealed that prices between local and non‐local items were comparable, however measuring the quality of local foods in comparison to non‐local foods was challenging. Finally, purchase of local foods during the month increased for all of the stores. However, managers noted that sales increased on days in which there were in‐store promotions of local food items and that certain types of produce, such as eggplant, did not sell well. The results of this evaluation indicate that the establishment of a trustworthy relationship between farmer and grocer is critical to supporting and sustaining farm‐to‐institution relationships. Further, customer education of supporting local farmers and the benefits to purchasing local foods is fundamental. For example, the NEMS data revealed that measuring quality of local foods versus non‐local foods was difficult as local foods, such as tomatoes and peaches, are different in size and uniformity and have been exposed to some of the environmental elements of the season as compared to non‐local produce that is mass‐produced in a controlled environment. This could have an impact on customers purchasing local foods that are different in size, shape, and color than non‐local foods, but have better nutritional quality. In addition, the perception that purchase of local foods is costlier was evidenced to be a misperception based on the NEMS data. Finally, since childhood obesity rates have been on the increase in the last several decades, in part due to poor nutrition, teaching young children about growing, preparing, and consuming local foods is also essential.Support or Funding InformationCenters for Disease Control, Partnerships to Improve Community Health